Water/Wastewater Treatment Operator in Training (OIT), Operator I, II, or III

Kodiak; Kodiak (AK); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Kodiak is seeking a full-time Water/Wastewater Treatment Operator in Training. This role involves operating, maintaining, and repairing treatment plants and sewage systems.

Qualifications include a high school diploma or GED, relevant experience, and necessary Alaska DEC certifications. Candidates must have a valid Alaska driver’s license and a willingness to work in a team-oriented environment to serve the community effectively.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED, with experience in mechanical repair work.
• Valid State of Alaska DEC provisional license for Operator in Training.
• Valid Alaska driver’s license and commercial driver’s license (CDL).

Responsibilities

• Monitor, operate, and maintain water and wastewater treatment plants.
• Collect water samples and perform laboratory analyses and testing.
• Operate, maintain, and repair sewage pump stations and related facilities.

Skills

Water sampling methods and techniques

Mechanical and electrical troubleshooting

Data collection techniques

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Chemicals handling equipment

Heavy equipment (backhoes, dump trucks)

Job description

The City of Kodiak is recruiting for a full-time Water/Wastewater Treatment Operator in Training (OIT), Operator I, II, or III. The Department is looking for an experienced team player that has a desire to be a part of a progressive Public Works Department working hard to serve the needs of our community.

Under general supervision, a Water/Wastewater Treatment Operator in Training (OIT), Operator I, Operator II, and Operator III perform a variety of skilled technical duties and semi-skilled labor in the operation and maintenance of the Citys water and wastewater treatment plants and the sewage collection system. Specific responsibilities will vary depending on the operator level of the individual, and will generally include, but are not limited to: operating, maintaining, and repairing collection system, pump stations, and wastewater treatment plant equipment in order to ensure the safe, effective, and efficient day‑to‑day operations and maintenance of these facilities; operating a variety of maintenance and construction equipment; and maintaining a variety of logs and records.

This is a broad classification that encompasses four levels based on the certification levels held by the individual. Advancement to a higher operator level occurs when acquiring and maintaining higher level certifications. The City of Kodiak owns and operates water and wastewater treatment facilities and sewer pump stations. The Water/Wastewater Treatment Operator must frequently make independent, sound decisions on system operations and must perform these duties in a manner that reflects positively on the City and the Department.

Examples Of Essential Duties

• Monitors, operates, services, and maintains plant equipment, systems, and processes to ensure proper operations. Managing pump valves, motors, filters, meters, and computerized controls; taking readings and entering into a database; reviewing chemical levels; adding and mixing chemicals to ensure adequate chemical application according to regulations and guidelines; checking chemical feed pump settings and alarm point settings; repairing and/or replacing equipment; and handling hazardous and toxic chemicals and materials.
• Performs routine cleaning, inspection, troubleshooting, repairing, and maintenance of operations machinery, equipment and controls, facilities, and grounds, which may include maintaining pumps and electric motors; ensuring belts, bearings, drives, and oil levels are properly adjusted; maintenance and repair of electrical wiring in motors; painting pumps and various structures; clearing stoppages from pipes and valves; pumping sludge; washing down chlorine contact chambers; maintaining lift stations; and operating a belt press, centrifuge or UV system.
• Collects water samples and performs applicable laboratory analyses and testing; performs on‑site analysis and adjusts processes to achieve proper levels; prepares related bench sheets; enters information into applicable database(s).
• Operates, maintains and repairs sewage pump stations, including weekly checks, cleaning floats, unplugging pumps, troubleshooting, and occasionally working with Vactor crew to clean wet wells.
• Performs confined space entry duties as required.
• Assists with maintaining supplies, materials, and inventory, ensuring adequate levels available for efficient and effective operations; recommends and orders parts, inventory, supplies, and materials as necessary.
• Maintains, compiles and updates records and logs of systems operation and maintenance activities.
• Operates a variety of heavy equipment including backhoes, manlifts, forklifts, dump trucks, and truck‑mounted sludge haulers; assists in unloading chemicals as necessary.
• Performs general plant facility maintenance such as cleaning, painting and repairing plant facilities; performs various grounds maintenance duties as required.
• Conducts tours for the general public, schools, and City staff as necessary.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Operator in Training (OIT): High school diploma or GED, one to three years of experience in maintenance or mechanical repair work, and hold at least one State of Alaska DEC provisional license.
• Level 1: High school diploma or GED, one year of treatment experience, and State of Alaska DEC Level 1 Operator certification in at least two of the following: Water Treatment (WT), Water Distribution (WD), Wastewater Treatment (WWT) or Wastewater Collection (WWC).
• Level 2: High school diploma or GED, up to one year of technical training beyond high school, three years of treatment experience, and State of Alaska DEC Level 2 Operator certification in at least two of the following: WT, WD, WWT or WWC.
• Level 3: High school diploma or GED, up to one year of technical training beyond high school, four years of treatment experience, and State of Alaska DEC Level 3 Operator certification in at least two of the following: WT, WD, WWT or WWC.
• Must have a valid Alaska driver’s license and commercial driver’s license (CDL).
• Starting salary is based on certification levels, qualifications and experience.

Knowledge Of

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (Generally describes the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time to successfully perform the assigned duties.)

• Water sampling methods and techniques.
• Data collection techniques.
• Record‑keeping techniques.
• Applicable tools, equipment, and materials.
• Operating principles of plant equipment such as valves, pumps and motors.
• Methods and techniques of maintaining, repairing and troubleshooting water or wastewater plant equipment and processes.
• Chemical handling procedures.
• Occupational hazards and safety regulations, practices and procedures.
• Computers and related software applications.

Skill In

• Collecting water quality samples and data.
• Performing process control calculations and performing mathematical calculations.
• Using equipment and tools of the trade.
• Evaluating facilities and equipment for operational effectiveness.
• Operating motor vehicles, electric trucks, lift trucks, fork lifts, and related mobile equipment.
• Diagnosing system problems.
• Mechanical and electrical troubleshooting.
• Using a computer and related software applications and entering data into a computer.
• Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with subordinates, coworkers, supervisor, and the general public.